Radical nephrectomy Simple nephrectomy is performed for benign kidney disorders such as end stage pyelonephritis or urinary tuberculosis. Radical nephrectomy is a more complex procedure where the kidney is removed with all of the surrounding structures such as the fat and lymph nodes. This procedure is usually done for kidney tumors. Radical nephrectomy is usually performed through the peritoneum. First a pneumoperitoneum is created and an optic device is inserted. Four additional ports (trocars) are inserted which are used to introduce the instruments. The colic flexure of the large intestine is liberated and the renal artery and vein are then clamped. The kidney is removed and placed in a bag which is extracted through a small hypogastric incision. Average surgical time 90’. Back